Podcast Summary: Mick Unplugged

Episode: "Unstoppable: David Pollack’s 50/40/10 Formula for Life"

Host: Mick McDonald
Guest: David Pollack
Date: November 28, 2025

Overview

This episode of "Mick Unplugged" features former NFL star, ESPN analyst, and leadership speaker David Pollack. The conversation dives into David’s “50/40/10” formula for life, lessons from his journey through football and faith, and how standards and perseverance shape both leadership and personal impact. With openness and humor, David shares stories of adversity, faith, and practical mindset strategies, making the episode a motivating listen for leaders, doers, and anyone looking for tools to pursue greatness.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. David’s Faith Journey

• Early Exposure and Invitation: David didn’t grow up in a religious household, but a neighbor’s simple invitation to a church youth lock-in introduced him to faith.
  • Noteworthy Quote:

    "A simple invite got me in the door... everyone can invite somebody to church."
    — David Pollack, [05:20]

• Influence of Role Models: David was inspired by his high school physics teacher, Mark Watson, whose genuine faith and calm presence stood out to him.
  • Noteworthy Quote:

    "A life worth emulating... He lived the fruits of the spirit so much that I’m like, I want more of that in my life."
    — David Pollack, [09:05]

2. The 50/40/10 Formula for Life

• Breakdown:
  • 50%: Outperform half the people simply by consistently showing up with a positive attitude and readiness.
  • 40%: Out-think, out-prepare, and out-organize the next 40% with the right effort and direction.
  • 10%: The final 10% are those who combine talent, relentless work ethic, and mental resilience—those who refuse to quit.
• Real-Life Mindset: David applies this both to sports and everyday life, emphasizing the importance of ‘working in the dark’ and meeting a standard over fleeting emotions.
  • Noteworthy Quote:

    “There are no elevators to the penthouse, bro. We taking the steps... Standard over feelings—you're going to be here, this is who you are.”
    — David Pollack, [14:26]

• Memorable Practices: He instills these lessons in his own daughter, encouraging her to “work in the dark”—do the hard work even when no one is watching.

3. Standards Over Feelings

• Standards as a Foundation: David and Mick discuss the philosophy that standards should not rely on how one feels in the moment; rather, true leaders show up and deliver regardless of circumstances.
  • Noteworthy Quote:

    “Don’t worry about how you feel every day. That doesn’t change who you are and what you bring to the table every single time.”
    — David Pollack, [22:22]

• Cultural Reference: They highlight the Pittsburgh Steelers and Coach Mike Tomlin's mantra: “The standard is the standard.”

4. Adaptability and Role Change

• Football Journey: David recounts his transition from fullback to defensive tackle and then to defensive end at the University of Georgia, attributing his success to adaptability, competitiveness, and embracing new challenges.
  • Quote:

    “I started at fullback, moved to defensive tackle in camp, then moved to defensive end—three positions in less than a year.”
    — David Pollack, [24:11]

5. Leadership Evolution

• From Example to Empathy: Initially, David led by example and intensity, but after becoming a parent, he learned to adapt his leadership style to different personalities.
  • Noteworthy Quote:

    “If you have influence over one person, you're a leader... Understanding who you’re leading, leading with humility, character, with standards over feelings.”
    — David Pollack, [28:26]

• The Heart of Leadership: Mick summarizes leadership as care: “Leadership is a four-letter word: C-A-R-E.” [32:04]

6. Resilience in the Face of Adversity

• Personal Setbacks: David candidly describes being “fired” from ESPN and having his NFL career cut short by a severe neck injury.
  • Noteworthy Quote:

    “I have failed so much more than I have succeeded... If you’re not in a storm, if you’re not in adversity, it’s coming.”
    — David Pollack, [33:00]

• Adapting & Overcoming: His mantra—“every day counts”—emerged from his rehab, where he focused on achievable daily goals to work back toward normalcy.
• Finding Purpose in Trials: David credits adversity for making him a better man, father, and leader.
  • Noteworthy Quote:

    “I’m a better dad right now because I broke my neck. I’m a better husband, friend, son... God said, slow down, be still.”
    — David Pollack, [39:00]

Notable Quotes & Moments

| Timestamp | Speaker | Quote | |-----------|----------------|------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 05:20 | David Pollack | "A simple invite got me in the door... everyone can invite somebody to church." | | 09:05 | David Pollack | "A life worth emulating... He lived the fruits of the spirit so much that I’m like, I want more of that." | | 14:26 | David Pollack | "There are no elevators to the penthouse, bro. We taking the steps... Standard over feelings." | | 22:22 | David Pollack | "Don’t worry about how you feel every day. That doesn’t change who you are and what you bring to the table every single time." | | 28:26 | David Pollack | "If you have influence over one person, you're a leader... leading with humility, with character, with standards over feelings." | | 33:00 | David Pollack | "I have failed so much more than I have succeeded... If you’re not in adversity, it’s coming." | | 39:00 | David Pollack | "I’m a better dad right now because I broke my neck. I’m a better husband, friend, son... God said, slow down, be still." |

Important Segment Timestamps

• 05:20 – David’s faith journey: the power of invitation and example
• 14:26 – The 50/40/10 formula explained with vivid examples and story
• 22:22 – Why standards matter more than feelings
• 24:11 – Transitioning roles at Georgia and embracing change
• 28:26 – Evolution as a leader and the importance of caring
• 33:00 – Overcoming injuries, job loss, and reframing adversity
• 39:00 – Lessons from failure and how adversity made him better

What’s Next for David Pollack

• Children’s Book: “The Won’t Quit Kid”—A story of perseverance for kids and parents, built on the themes discussed in this episode.
  • Quote:

    “Life is hard. That’s what I use in the book, the three H’s. It’s hard, it’s hot, and it hurts.” [40:36]

• Speaking Circuit: David can be reached for events and keynotes via his website davidpollack.com and social platforms.
• Ongoing Mission: Using his story and failures to teach resilience, faith, and personal standards to broader audiences.

Closing Thought

Mick’s final takeaway: “Remember your ‘Because’ is your superpower. Go unleash it.” [42:30]

Summary Prepared By:
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